Shinjuku Local Night Tour Izakaya and Sake 8 Spots Hidden Alleys

Your meeting point is in front of Kitakata Ramen BAN NAI Omoide Yokocho (near Shinjuku Station Exit B15).

Omoide Yokocho is a small alleyway bar district that emerged in the late 1940s under the railway tracks near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, right after World War II. The area originally developed from a black market, and many of the narrow lanes and simple post‑war wooden structures still remain today, preserving a strong sense of the Showa-era atmosphere.

The tight alleyways are lined with yakitori shops, grilled offal restaurants, and standing bars. The warm glow of lanterns and drifting smoke create a unique and nostalgic ambience. It is a place where the everyday life of people who lived through the post-war period feels condensed into the streets. Today, it is known as a popular “retro alleyway” visited by travelers from Japan and around the world.

Admission is free.

Kabukicho is the largest entertainment district in Shinjuku, established during Japan’s post‑war reconstruction period. The name “Kabukicho” originated in 1948 when a plan was proposed to build a Kabuki theater in the area. Although the theater was never completed, the name remained, and the district continued to develop in its own unique direction.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Kabukicho became a cultural hub filled with cinemas, theaters, and venues that shaped youth culture, music, and subcultures. Over time, more restaurants, bars, and entertainment facilities opened, forming the lively streets seen today. In recent years, redevelopment has introduced new landmarks such as the Godzilla Head and Kabukicho Tower, making the district increasingly popular among domestic and international visitors. Admission is free.

Travelers will need 2,000–3,000JPY in cash for food and drinks at the yakitori restaurant, so please prepare this amount in advance.

We will also stop by a popular yakitori restaurant that has been loved by Japanese people for many years. Known for its affordable prices and casual atmosphere, it is often described as “the McDonald’s of yakitori” because of its widespread presence and easy accessibility across Japan.

The menu is simple and easy to choose from, offering classic skewers such as negima, tsukune, and chicken thigh, as well as a variety of creative options. The flavors are familiar and comforting—everyday tastes that Japanese people enjoy regularly—making it a great place for first‑time visitors to try yakitori without hesitation.

The restaurant has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, allowing travelers to experience Japan’s yakitori culture comfortably. Your guide will help you with recommended dishes and how to order, so there is no need to worry about language barriers.

This back alley, established in 1951, is one of the few remaining places in Shinjuku where the traces of the Showa era can still be strongly felt. The narrow lanes, old buildings, and neon reflections create a distinctive atmosphere that has often been used as a filming location for Japanese TV dramas.

Unlike areas that have been redeveloped for tourism, this alley retains a raw and authentic ambience—almost reminiscent of a foreign slum district. Because of its unique and gritty character, it has become a popular spot for photography, and simply walking through it feels like stepping into a scene from a movie.

During the tour, your guide will walk with you through this deep and atmospheric alley while explaining its historical background and what the neighborhood looked like in earlier times. Enjoy taking memorable photos in this area that feels “unlike anywhere else in Japan.”

Admission is free.

Golden Gai is a unique bar district that emerged in post‑war Shinjuku, where nearly 200 tiny bars are packed into narrow alleyways. Today it is known as a popular nightlife spot filled with character, but in earlier decades the area was associated with an unofficial entertainment zone known as the “blue line,” preserving strong traces of Shinjuku’s chaotic post‑war atmosphere.

In the 1950s, while redevelopment progressed throughout Shinjuku, this small pocket of the city avoided demolition. It soon became a gathering place for cultural figures, developing into a hub for subculture. The narrow lanes, old buildings, and the variety of signs and lighting that differ from bar to bar create an ambience reminiscent of a Showa‑era movie set. Because of its distinctive look, Golden Gai is extremely popular among domestic and international travelers as a photogenic location. Enjoy taking memorable photos as you explore the streets lined with uniquely themed bars.

Admission is free.

The sake tasting fee, approximately 2,500JPY, is paid individually by each traveler.

During our walk through Golden Gai, we will stop at a historic Japanese sake bar where you can enjoy a tasting of four different types of sake. Your guide will explain the characteristics, aromas, flavor differences, and how brewing methods influence the taste, making this experience easy and enjoyable even for first‑time sake drinkers.

Sake can vary greatly depending on how the rice is polished and how it is fermented. By comparing a range of styles—from fragrant ginjo varieties to rich and full‑bodied junmai types—you will discover the depth and diversity of Japanese sake.

Hanazono Shrine is a long‑established Shinto shrine that has served as the guardian shrine of the Shinjuku area for centuries. Although its origins date back to before the Edo period, it moved to its current location in the 17th century. Even as the surrounding city has transformed dramatically, the shrine has continued to preserve its traditional appearance.

Within the grounds, you will find shrines dedicated to deities of business prosperity and performing arts, making it a place that local residents visit regularly in their daily lives. The annual “Tori‑no‑Ichi” festival in autumn, along with other seasonal events, attracts large crowds and is well known as a cultural symbol of Shinjuku.

Admission is free.

Drinks are paid individually about JPY 1,000 per drink, and karaoke costs JPY 200 per song.

To conclude the tour, we will visit a standing bar and a karaoke bar—two spots that capture the casual and friendly atmosphere unique to Golden Gai, where many small and characterful bars gather.

We will first stop at a traditional standing bar. In the compact space, customers naturally end up close to one another, creating an easy environment for conversation. It’s a great place to experience Japan’s down‑to‑earth drinking culture and enjoy a relaxed moment toward the end of the night.

After that, we will move to a karaoke bar. The small, cozy setting offers many English‑language songs, making it easy for international visitors to join in. In the warm, welcoming atmosphere typical of Golden Gai, you can sing, take photos, and enjoy a fun ending to your evening.

If you prefer not to enter the bar or karaoke venue, you are welcome to skip this part. The tour will end at this point.